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Productivity

Dec 26, 2024

Boost Productivity With Slack Games: Make Workdays More Fun

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Written By

Savannah

 vector image of employees playing games
 vector image of employees playing games

Table of contents:

Let’s be real—working remotely or in a hybrid setup can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of emails, meetings, and staring at the same four walls. Sure, flexible hours and no commute are great, but without those spontaneous office chats or coffee breaks, work can start to feel a little too routine.

Slack games offer a simple way to shake things up - without distracting the team too much or pulling them out of their flow. Think of them as the digital version of those water cooler moments—quick, fun, and perfect for breaking up the day. But they’re not just about having a good time. These games help teams connect, refresh their focus, and even boost productivity. It’s like hitting the reset button without leaving Slack.

In this article, we’ll explore how to boost productivity with Slack games and make workdays a little brighter, a lot more connected, and—believe it or not—more productive. Plus, we’ll share the best games to try and tips to make them a natural part of your team’s day. Ready? Let’s get started!

Why Slack Games Are Perfect for Boosting Productivity

Slack games aren’t just about having a good time—they’re a smart solution to some of the biggest challenges remote and hybrid teams face. Studies show that short, engaging breaks and team activities can significantly improve productivity and morale. Here’s why Slack games are so effective:

  • They refresh mental focus – A study by the American Psychological Association found that even short breaks can help us perform at our best. A quick game allows employees to reset and return to tasks with renewed energy.

  • They strengthen team bonds – Teams with high engagement report 21% higher profitability. Slack games encourage team members to collaborate and spark casual conversations, helping them build trust and work better together.

  • They reduce burnout – A survey by Spring Health revealed that 76% of employees experience burnout at work. Fun activities break up long stretches of work, reducing stress and preventing mental fatigue.

  • They fit into the flow of work – Since games happen right in Slack, there’s no need to switch tools or disrupt workflows. A 5–10 minute game can seamlessly integrate into the day without cutting into productivity.

  • They boost morale – Happier teams are more productive. According to Oxford University, employees who are happier at work are 13% more productive. Small moments of fun give teams something to look forward to and create a positive work environment.

When used strategically, Slack games bring measurable benefits to team focus, energy, and collaboration. It’s a small investment of time that delivers big results for productivity and morale.

Top Slack Games to Make Workdays More Productive & Fun

With Braid’s six exciting games, your team gets the perfect blend of lighthearted challenges and brain-teasing activities—all easily accessible right in Slack. These games are designed to energize your team, foster connections, and make workdays more enjoyable.

Ready to bring more fun and collaboration to your workspace? Let’s set up Braid and get your team playing in no time!

Bring the Fun to Slack in Seconds

Getting started with Braid is as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Visit Braid: Go to Braid and hit the “Add to Slack” button.

  2. Authorize the app: Give Braid access to your Slack workspace to enable the games.

  3. Browse the library: Head to the Apps section in Slack, click Braid Games, and explore your options.

  4. Pick, set up, and play: Choose a game, tweak the settings, and let the fun begin!

In minutes, your team will have access to six engaging games that make workdays more exciting and productive.

1. Wordsmith📝: Build Words, Build Bonds

Wordsmith

Work with a team to build as many words as possible!

  • Type: Word Game

  • Players: 2+ (best with 4)

  • Objective: Create words to score points and climb the ranks from Apprentice to Grandmaster!

Wordsmith is a fast-paced word game that challenges your vocabulary while encouraging collaboration. Given a set of 7 letters, your team creates as many words as possible before the clock runs out. Longer words earn higher points, and if you use all 7 letters, you’ll score a special bonus!

How to Play Wordsmith

  1. Choose a game: Go to the Braid Games library in your Slack channel or type /braid to access Wordsmith.

  2. Choose a channel - Pick the Slack channel where your team will play.

  3. Set up your game. Choose the number of teams and the time limit (e.g., 1 minute per round).

  4. Select categories (optional) - Choose from up to 4 categories:

  5. Start the game - Each team receives a direct message (DM) with 7 letters.

  6. Collaborate -Brainstorm as a team to create as many words as possible. Submit your words before the timer runs out!

How to Dominate The Game?

Lead your team to victory by using these strategies:

  • Brainstorm quickly: Share ideas in real time and list words as fast as you can.

  • Focus on longer words: Longer words earn higher points, so aim big!

  • Use all 7 letters: Find ways to incorporate every letter for a bonus.

  • Communicate efficiently: Assign roles to each team member so they can contribute to the same goal. For example, one can think of base words, while someone else can add prefixes and suffixes to bring additional points. 

Wordsmith is the ultimate game for teams that love a challenge. Set it up now and let the brainstorming fun begin!

2. Picture Puzzle🧩: Crack the Code Together

Picture puzzle

Solve visual riddles with your team!

  • Type: Brainteaser

  • Players: 2+

  • Objective: Guess the phrase or words the image describes using the fewest guesses.

Picture Puzzle is a fun and challenging game that tests your creativity and teamwork. Players receive a picture along with a category hint, and the goal is to figure out the phrase or concept it represents. Who will crack the code first?

How to Play Picture Puzzle

  1. Choose a game: Go to the Braid Games library in your Slack channel or type /braid to select Picture Puzzle.

  2. Choose a channel: Pick the Slack channel where your team will play.

  3. Start the game: Braid sends a picture along with a category hint to the channel.

  4. Select categories (optional) - Choose from up to 4 categories:

  5. Guess the words: Use the hint and the image to make your guesses. The player who guesses the correct answer with the fewest attempts wins!

How to Dominate The Game?

Sharpen your skills and solve puzzles faster with these tips:

  • Use the category hint: Let the hint guide your thinking and narrow down your guesses.

  • Look closely at the image: Pay attention to small details—they might hold important clues.

  • Think outside the box: Be creative and consider multiple image interpretations.

  • Collaborate with your team: Share ideas, describe what you see, and brainstorm together.

  • Speak out loud: Talking through your observations can help spark new ideas.

Picture Puzzle is the perfect blend of creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Start a game now and see who can crack the code first!

3. Typing Test⌨️: Race to Be the Fastest Fingers

Typing test

Think you’ve got the fastest fingers? 💥 Prove it!

  • Type: Race Game

  • Players: 1+

  • Objective: Race against your teammates to type a given text with speed and precision.

Typing Test is a thrilling competition where accuracy and speed go head-to-head. Players type a provided text as quickly and correctly as possible, earning points for words per minute, accuracy, and completion rate. Will you claim the title of Typing Champion?

How to Play Typing Test

  1. Choose a game: Go to the Braid Games library in your Slack channel or type /braid to select Typing Test.

  2. Choose a channel: Pick the Slack channel where you want to play.

  3. Start the game: Players are given a text prompt to type.

  4. Select categories (optional) - Choose from up to 4 categories:

  5. Type the text: Type the displayed text as fast and accurately as possible. Submit your entry by pressing "Enter" when done. The test ends automatically after 2 minutes.

How to Dominate The Game?

Use these strategies to dominate the leaderboard:

  • Stay focused: Pay attention to the text to minimize mistakes.

  • Type steadily: Strike a balance between speed and accuracy to optimize your score.

  • Avoid overcorrecting: Fix errors quickly and keep typing—don’t let one mistake slow you down.

  • Practice often: The more you play, the faster and more accurate you’ll become.

Typing Test is a fun way to sharpen your skills, bond with teammates, and enjoy some friendly competition. Are you ready to race to the top? Start the Typing Test now and see who claims the title of Typing Champion!

4. Word Link🔗: Keep the Chain Alive

Word link

Take turns linking words together based on their first and last letters!

  • Type: Word Game

  • Players: 2–10

  • Objective: Build a chain of words by connecting the last letter of one word to the first letter of the next.

Word Link is a fast-paced and exciting word game where players must think on their feet to keep the chain alive. Each player adds a word starting with the last letter of the previous word, scoring points based on the length of their word. The challenge? Avoid breaking the chain and maximize your score!

How to Play Word Link

  • Choose a game: Go to the Braid Games library in your Slack channel or type /braid to select Word Link.

  • Choose a channel: Pick the Slack channel where your team will play.

  • Set up your game: Select the number of turns per player (e.g., 5 turns).

  • Start the game: Players take turns submitting words to build the chain.

  • Score points: Earn 1 point for every letter in your word. Misspelled words or those that don’t follow the rules earn no points. After everyone has taken their turns, the player with the highest score wins!

How to Dominate The Game?

Boost your score and dominate the game with these tips:

  • Think ahead: Plan for tricky endings like “x” or “z” to avoid getting stuck.

  • Choose longer words: The more letters, the more points you earn—aim big!

  • Stay focused: Keep track of the chain to avoid repeating words or breaking the link.

  • Expand your vocabulary: Learn uncommon words to surprise your opponents.

  • Leverage suffixes: Adding “ing,” “ed,” or “ly” to words can help rack up extra points.

Word Link is a fantastic way to energize your team, spark creativity, and promote collaboration. See how far your team can take the chain—start a game now and let the fun begin!

5. This or That❓: Make the Tough Choices

This or that

Choose between two options and see how your team stacks up!

  • Type: Icebreaker

  • Players: 2+

  • Objective: Pick your favorites, compare results, and spark lively discussions.

This or That is a lighthearted game that gets everyone talking. Players are presented with fun, sometimes tricky choices (e.g., Sunrise 🌅 or Sunset 🌇?) and vote on their preferences. After the game, results are revealed, opening the door for debates, personal stories, and lots of laughs.

How to Play This or That

  1. Choose a game: Go to the Braid Games library in your Slack channel or type /braid to select This or That.

  2. Choose a channel: Pick the Slack channel where your team will play.

  3. Set custom questions (optional): Want to make the game even more fun? Check the “Set my own choices” option to create personalized This or That questions for your team.

  4. Start the game: Each player is presented with five fun choices. Select your answer for each option.

  5. View the results: After everyone votes, the results will be sent to the channel, showing how the group compares.

How to Dominate The Game?

Make your game unforgettable with these tips:

  • Keep it fun: Use questions tailored to your team’s interests (e.g., Coffee ☕ or Tea 🍵 for a caffeine-loving team).

  • Get creative: Add surprising or humorous options to keep everyone entertained.

  • Encourage quick responses: Ask players to choose instinctively without overthinking.

  • Start discussions: Use the results to spark conversations and share personal anecdotes.

This or That is an effortless way to relax, have fun, and learn more about your teammates. Start a game today and watch your team connect through laughter and lighthearted debates!

6. Trivia🧠: Test Your Knowledge, Prove Your Smarts

Trivia

Challenge your teammates with fun, brain-teasing questions!

  • Type: Knowledge Game

  • Players: 2+

  • Objective: Answer trivia questions on various topics to earn the highest score.

Trivia is the ultimate game for knowledge buffs and casual players alike. Compete with your teammates to answer questions quickly and accurately. With a wide variety of topics, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy. Who will be crowned the Trivia Champion?

How to Play Trivia

  1. Choose a game: Go to the Braid Games library in your Slack channel or type /braid to select Trivia.

  2. Choose a channel: Pick the Slack channel where your team will play.

  3. Select categories (optional) - Choose from up to 5 categories:

  4. Start the game: Braid will present multiple-choice questions in the channel. Players select their answers by clicking their choice.

  5. Earn points: Points are awarded for correct answers. The player with the highest score at the end wins!

How to Dominate The Game?

Dominate the leaderboard with these strategies:

  • Stay focused: Read the questions carefully before selecting your answer.

  • Answer quickly: Speed matters! Fast responses earn bonus points.

  • Play to your strengths: Choose topics you’re familiar with to maximize your chances.

  • Learn as you play: Even if you don’t know the answer, guess—you might learn something new!

Trivia is the perfect game to energize your team and spark lively discussions. Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Start a Trivia game today and see who takes the crown!

How to Integrate Slack Games Into Your Workday

Slack games are most effective when they’re seamlessly woven into your team’s routine. The goal is to boost energy, foster connection, and keep everyone engaged—without interrupting productivity.

Here’s how to make Slack games a natural part of your workday:

Kick Off Meetings With a Quick Game

Start your team calls on a fun note by launching a quick game like This or That or Wordsmith. A 2–3 minute activity can loosen everyone up, spark conversations, and create a more relaxed atmosphere before diving into work.

Schedule “Game Breaks” During the Day

Set regular short breaks for games to help teams recharge:

  • Mid-morning boost: Play the Typing Test to wake up everyone’s focus.

  • Post-lunch reset: A quick round of Trivia can bring energy back after lunch.

These short, scheduled breaks provide mental resets without derailing the workday.

Use Games as Icebreakers for New Teams

If new team members are joining, Slack games like Picture Puzzle or This or That are great for breaking the ice and helping teammates get to know each other in a low-pressure way.

End the Week with a Game Hour

Wrap up the week with a 15–30 minute team game session on Friday afternoons. Rotate games like Trivia or Word Link to keep things fresh and exciting. It’s a perfect way to bond, relax, and share some laughs before heading into the weekend.

Recognize Wins and Celebrate Players

Add a layer of fun by recognizing standout players. Celebrate top scorers or the most creative teammates with Slack shoutouts, and use games as a reward after a productive sprint or big project. It’s a simple way to build morale and keep the team motivated.

Keep It Optional and Fun

The key to success is letting games feel like a fun option—not an obligation. Make participation casual and keep the focus on enjoyment. Whether it’s five minutes or 20, a game should leave your team feeling energized and connected.

With tools like Braid, it’s easy to find the right game and the perfect time to play! Schedule a demo with Braid today

Make Workdays More Productive and Fun With Braid!

Braid

Slack app doesn’t have to be just a communication tool—it can also be a space where teams connect, recharge, and have fun together. Quick, engaging games can lift team morale, strengthen relationships, and enhance team productivity without skipping a beat.

With Braid, adding these moments of fun is effortless. Whether it’s a mid-morning boost or a Friday team bonding session, Braid helps turn ordinary workdays into opportunities for connection and focus.

Ready to energize your team and keep workdays fun? Schedule a demo with Braid today and see how fun Slack games can transform your team’s day!

FAQs About Boost Productivity With Slack Games

How can Slack games help remote teams stay engaged and productive?

Slack games provide a simple way for remote teams to stay connected and energized throughout the day. Quick breaks to play games reduce stress, improve focus, and foster team camaraderie. These activities boost engagement and help teams collaborate more effectively, creating a positive balance between work and fun.

How do Braid games fit into workflows and project management tools?

Thanks to Slack integration, Braid games fit seamlessly into your existing workflow and complement project management tools. Teams can take short, structured breaks to play games without interrupting productivity. These breaks refresh focus, reduce burnout, and ultimately help boost team productivity throughout the workday.

Why are Slack games great for team building?

Slack games are an excellent tool for virtual team building, encouraging casual Slack conversations, and strengthening team relationships. Whether solving puzzles, playing a classic game, or tackling trivia, these activities help teams bond, share laughs, and build trust—key elements for effective teamwork.

Fun games built for hybrid and remote teams, right in Slack

Make team building fun, engaging, effortless, and affordable with Braid. Schedule a demo or start playing right away for free!

Connect and play virtual games with your team on Slack!

Schedule a demo to learn how Braid can help your team building.

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Fun games, built for hybrid and remote teams, embedded right in Slack.